[The next time Edelgard walks through a door, she'll find herself walking into an entirely new location. Specifically — an empty hospital wing, devoid of all signs of life save for the steady beeping of a heart monitor in the distance. It looks like the only way to go is down the corridor, but Edelgard won't have to walk for too long before she stumbles across the only open room in the entire hallway.
... In fact, she won't even have to go in. Carlos is waiting for her right outside of the room. He lifts a hand in greeting once he sees her, even if he seems a bit... hm.]
[Polly's not answering, but Edelgard won't have any trouble reaching Carlos. The next time she walks through a door, she will end up back in the hospital. Carlos will be waiting for her in the hallway... affected by this week's status effect, too. Huh.]
It's worse than that. There were claw marks in her bathroom, a broken mirror, and glowing blue droplets that may have been her blood. And when I contacted her, a strange eye appeared in my device.
Furthermore, I have reason to believe she did something she was not meant to do. I believe she contacted Tamamo about her cockblocker role a day early, to ensure we could meet together.
That does it. If he looked concerned before, now he looks downright alarmed.]
Shit, Polly. [Practically hissed beneath his breath.] She broke the rules by giving Tamamo a heads up. You guys aren't supposed to know about the transfer until the day of the meeting.
[It's fine? It's fine. (It's not fine.)]
That was everything you found in the bathroom? You didn't find any other trace of her?
I'll keep an eye out for her on the other side. But we'll need your help, too, Edelgard. We won't be able to find her if she got caught up in a situation where the three of us can't interfere, either.
Just — keep an eye out for any sign of where she could have gone. And come talk to me if you find something suspicious. [Everything is suspicious in thotland, though... Hm.] She has be somewhere.
At some point after sending her panicked tit pic, Edelgard will find herself pulled into the hospital once again. Carlos will be waiting for her in the hallway, but, uh... He does not look well! He'll be leaning against the wall, staring at the ceiling with one arm pressed against his stomach. Though he will glance her way once he hears her footsteps, allowing her to see that he's pale and slightly sweaty, with itty bitty red dots on his face like he popped some blood vessels.]
Edelgard. [His voice is rougher than usual. Hm.] I assume you're here to ask about Beck and Chuuya.
[EDELGARD... He supports her mindset but also, he's just kind of blearily blinking at her for a second while his brain catches up with the rest of him.]
... There's only the one, and I can't give it out today. It's too risky.
It is too risky to give it to any of them. For the sake of a temporary kindness, they would destroy everything.
[She tried to stay reasonable at the discussion, but she isn't reasonable. She's furious.]
All I need is to know I have a chance. That there is a means by which I can get my hands on the tool I will need to ensure none of them can leave this place. Even the mere possibility - I will do whatever you require of me, if you can give me anything I can use to put an end to this course of action.
[She doesn't even know if he's going to agree with her, but the person she thinks would have isn't here anymore.]
[It's not that he doesn't agree with what she's saying. But, uh, it doesn't look like he's entirely aware of what's going on in the living side right now?]
[That kind of. Gives her pause. She doesn't know what's going on with Carlos, why he's ill. She doesn't even know if he can still be trusted. Maybe the dead sent a message through Nikkari for a reason.
Then again, she isn't sure she cares.]
All of us. The living. They have come to the conclusion that in order to save the dead, they must perform the ritual in a way that will ensure the demons return to our worlds with us.
I'm not omniscient. I have to get status updates through— [...] Through Chuuya, or one of you guys.
[But Chuuya is... gone. So it's going to be the latter from now on, huh. Either way— He's immediately closing his eyes as soon as she explains what's going on, pressing a hand to his face.]
... Oh, goddamn it. What the hell are they thinking?! [Well. He has an idea of what they're thinking, and it's stupid!!] The dagger will be there the day you're supposed to do the ritual. Get to it first, and don't let them do what they're planning.
[God, I have a fear right now. Even Edelgard is a little afraid, Carlos’ reaction confirming her fears that something is going very very wrong. But she doesn’t waver, only nods.]
If that’s the only way to stop them, it’s what I will do. But I’m only one person. I am not vain enough to imagine I can cut everyone down myself before I’m stopped.
If you agree with me, there must be something more you can do.
... It wouldn't exactly be his fault if he didn't know everything that was going on.
[For reasons that he's, apparently, not going to bother to elaborate right now. Regardless, he's going to rest his head against the wall, shoulders sagging.]
Still trying to figure that part out. I woke up with stomach cramps yesterday and it's only gotten worse since.
The same day they came for Chuuya? Do you think that’s coincidental?
[She’s frowning. But. Okay.]
Nikkari told us that we have three choices. We may remain here with the dead, or we may choose to do the ritual on Saturday and leave. In leaving, we may use the ceremonial knife to kill any remaining demons and return to our homes safely while the dead will be trapped here. Or we may sacrifice an innocent person instead, and the dead will be freed along with us - but the demons will join us in our own worlds.
Nikkari told us the dead are trying to find another option. But the general consensus appears to be that if they cannot, we ought to save the dead, and defeat the demons in our own worlds.
Perhaps...perhaps you could help me by providing information on what that would be like? There seem to have been a great many assumptions about how easy it will be to defeat them at home. But I am frankly shocked to find you agreeing with me so readily. You never struck me as a pragmatist.
The fact that you do suggests to me you understand the threat better than we do.
[... He shrugs, closing his eyes. If it's coincidental or not, it doesn't seem like he's overly worried about his condition vs everything else that's currently going on.]
I don't know what kind of opinion you formed in the four, maybe five times we've talked. And frankly, I don't care. But I've dedicated my whole life to saving as many people as I can, and I'm not about to be complicit in putting my world at risk — or anyone else's. Not again.
[So, uh, yeah. Those are his two cents regarding the options Nikkari presented to the living. Edelgard may not have asked for his opinion, but there she has it.]
... I'd say the information Nikkari relayed to you guys is pretty accurate. The demons -̸̼͈͇̤̄̍̆̿̐̍-̴̢̹̰̝̮̲̊̊-̷̨̧̺͕̝̞̾͗-̷̢͇̣̳̤̦͛̅͒̇-̸̭̓͝͝-̷̻͈̀́̈́-̴̧̛͕̒̒ͅ-̴̡̧̛͖͆-̸̡̄͝-̸̢̜̣̙̼͜͝-̸̗͆͠-̵̯̦͈̩̋̍̓̐-̶̣̯̤̞̭̙͠-̶̧̹̤̖͕͊̊̂͝ — oh, goddamnit. [THE MOST EXASPERATED SIGH.] Even at a time like this?
[Hey, demons, hey. Fuck you.]
Look. If it sounds bad, don't doubt that it is bad.
Yeah, well. You can be noble and still know not to take others down with you.
[99% of his current attitude stems from how frustrated he's by the current events, anyway. Edelgard is fine.]
I will. Just— I know someone will have to be sacrificed if there's no other option, but please don't kill anyone if it isn't necessary. Beat them up, knock them out... I don't care what you have to do, as long as no one else winds up on my side.
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week three, wednesday.
... In fact, she won't even have to go in. Carlos is waiting for her right outside of the room. He lifts a hand in greeting once he sees her, even if he seems a bit... hm.]
Edelgard, it's been a while.
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[She nods to see him. She doesn’t dislike him, but her mood isn’t playful.]
What happened to Dimitri?
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Straight to the point, then.]
... I can't answer that question for you.
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You'll get the same response if you go to Chuuya, Nathan or Polly after this.
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[She’s boring holes through him, trying to read his reaction - but he appreciates him volunteering the extra step.]
Can you tell me whether you knew beforehand it was going to happen? Or did it take you by surprise?
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He looks very uncomfortable about all of this. Edelgard will be able to tell that much, at least.]
... Not today. But I'd keep that question in mind for later.
week five, monday.
Got your request. What's up?
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Are you aware that Polly is missing? She didn't appear for our meeting, and when I contact her, I get nothing but an error.
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a golden retriever.
But also-- He looks visibly surprised at the news, eyes widening.]
What? [Oh. There's a tinge of alarm there.] I haven't seen her since yesterday, but I thought— She should have been back by now.
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[She nods, looking serious.]
It's worse than that. There were claw marks in her bathroom, a broken mirror, and glowing blue droplets that may have been her blood. And when I contacted her, a strange eye appeared in my device.
Furthermore, I have reason to believe she did something she was not meant to do. I believe she contacted Tamamo about her cockblocker role a day early, to ensure we could meet together.
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WELL.
That does it. If he looked concerned before, now he looks downright alarmed.]
Shit, Polly. [Practically hissed beneath his breath.] She broke the rules by giving Tamamo a heads up. You guys aren't supposed to know about the transfer until the day of the meeting.
[It's fine? It's fine. (It's not fine.)]
That was everything you found in the bathroom? You didn't find any other trace of her?
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I'm very grateful to her for ensuring we would be able to continue to work together. I expect you and the others to find her.
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Just — keep an eye out for any sign of where she could have gone. And come talk to me if you find something suspicious. [Everything is suspicious in thotland, though... Hm.] She has be somewhere.
week six, wednesday.
At some point after sending her panicked tit pic, Edelgard will find herself pulled into the hospital once again. Carlos will be waiting for her in the hallway, but, uh... He does not look well! He'll be leaning against the wall, staring at the ceiling with one arm pressed against his stomach. Though he will glance her way once he hears her footsteps, allowing her to see that he's pale and slightly sweaty, with itty bitty red dots on his face like he popped some blood vessels.]
Edelgard. [His voice is rougher than usual. Hm.] I assume you're here to ask about Beck and Chuuya.
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[She sees how he's not going well, and everything else, but there's something else on her mind now.]
Who has the ceremonial dagger? Is there a way I can obtain one for myself?
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... There's only the one, and I can't give it out today. It's too risky.
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[She tried to stay reasonable at the discussion, but she isn't reasonable. She's furious.]
All I need is to know I have a chance. That there is a means by which I can get my hands on the tool I will need to ensure none of them can leave this place. Even the mere possibility - I will do whatever you require of me, if you can give me anything I can use to put an end to this course of action.
[She doesn't even know if he's going to agree with her, but the person she thinks would have isn't here anymore.]
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[It's not that he doesn't agree with what she's saying. But, uh, it doesn't look like he's entirely aware of what's going on in the living side right now?]
What's going on in your side? Catch me up.
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[That kind of. Gives her pause. She doesn't know what's going on with Carlos, why he's ill. She doesn't even know if he can still be trusted. Maybe the dead sent a message through Nikkari for a reason.
Then again, she isn't sure she cares.]
All of us. The living. They have come to the conclusion that in order to save the dead, they must perform the ritual in a way that will ensure the demons return to our worlds with us.
I refuse to sit idly by while this happens.
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I'm not omniscient. I have to get status updates through— [...] Through Chuuya, or one of you guys.
[But Chuuya is... gone. So it's going to be the latter from now on, huh. Either way— He's immediately closing his eyes as soon as she explains what's going on, pressing a hand to his face.]
... Oh, goddamn it. What the hell are they thinking?! [Well. He has an idea of what they're thinking, and it's stupid!!] The dagger will be there the day you're supposed to do the ritual. Get to it first, and don't let them do what they're planning.
[PvP everyone, Edelgard.]
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If that’s the only way to stop them, it’s what I will do. But I’m only one person. I am not vain enough to imagine I can cut everyone down myself before I’m stopped.
If you agree with me, there must be something more you can do.
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[And interference is... well. Edelgard should know how that has cropped out so far.
After a beat, he adds:]
I don't know how much Nathan knows about what's going on, either. Or if they'll both agree to — what you're trying to do.
[It's fine? It's fine. Edelgard is honestly a mood right now.]
How much do you know, anyway? What information did you get?
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[She’s no stranger to hard decisions. But the question that follows makes Edelgard’s eyes narrow.]
Truly, none of you are paying attention? I understand you and Polly, but Nathan should work harder. [She scolds, but it’s because she’s troubled.]
I’ll explain, but first you’ll answer my questions. What happened to you?
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[For reasons that he's, apparently, not going to bother to elaborate right now. Regardless, he's going to rest his head against the wall, shoulders sagging.]
Still trying to figure that part out. I woke up with stomach cramps yesterday and it's only gotten worse since.
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[She’s frowning. But. Okay.]
Nikkari told us that we have three choices. We may remain here with the dead, or we may choose to do the ritual on Saturday and leave. In leaving, we may use the ceremonial knife to kill any remaining demons and return to our homes safely while the dead will be trapped here. Or we may sacrifice an innocent person instead, and the dead will be freed along with us - but the demons will join us in our own worlds.
Nikkari told us the dead are trying to find another option. But the general consensus appears to be that if they cannot, we ought to save the dead, and defeat the demons in our own worlds.
Perhaps...perhaps you could help me by providing information on what that would be like? There seem to have been a great many assumptions about how easy it will be to defeat them at home. But I am frankly shocked to find you agreeing with me so readily. You never struck me as a pragmatist.
The fact that you do suggests to me you understand the threat better than we do.
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I don't know what kind of opinion you formed in the four, maybe five times we've talked. And frankly, I don't care. But I've dedicated my whole life to saving as many people as I can, and I'm not about to be complicit in putting my world at risk — or anyone else's. Not again.
[So, uh, yeah. Those are his two cents regarding the options Nikkari presented to the living. Edelgard may not have asked for his opinion, but there she has it.]
... I'd say the information Nikkari relayed to you guys is pretty accurate. The demons -̸̼͈͇̤̄̍̆̿̐̍-̴̢̹̰̝̮̲̊̊-̷̨̧̺͕̝̞̾͗-̷̢͇̣̳̤̦͛̅͒̇-̸̭̓͝͝-̷̻͈̀́̈́-̴̧̛͕̒̒ͅ-̴̡̧̛͖͆-̸̡̄͝-̸̢̜̣̙̼͜͝-̸̗͆͠-̵̯̦͈̩̋̍̓̐-̶̣̯̤̞̭̙͠-̶̧̹̤̖͕͊̊̂͝ — oh, goddamnit. [THE MOST EXASPERATED SIGH.] Even at a time like this?
[Hey, demons, hey. Fuck you.]
Look. If it sounds bad, don't doubt that it is bad.
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[She smiles, not offended by his standing up for himself - it makes her like him more.]
All right. I won't doubt it. I'll do whatever is in my power to prevent that outcome, and presume you will be doing the same.
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[99% of his current attitude stems from how frustrated he's by the current events, anyway. Edelgard is fine.]
I will. Just— I know someone will have to be sacrificed if there's no other option, but please don't kill anyone if it isn't necessary. Beat them up, knock them out... I don't care what you have to do, as long as no one else winds up on my side.
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